Hello gang!
I picked up this Pittsburgh Steelers helmet today with the #53 on it, that is supposedly game-worn, but the clerk at the flea market store I found it at did not know what player it supposedly belonged to. I have done some research since I brought it home this afternoon, and it is a Bike helmet with the shell mold code 120143. From info I've been able to dig up, Bike only manufactured helmets from 1975-1984 or 1985, I believe, before they were bought out by Schutt, and I believe the last digit in the mold code means it is dated to 1983.
Now, the number 53 and the facemask are both completely consistent with a Steelers player from that era, Bryan Hinkle. The helmet looks pretty close to what he is wearing in most photos I can find, but I have not come up with a exact match yet.
What do you folks think?!?! Any opinions/advice from people knowledgable about the Steelers, and/or even just helmets in general is welcome. BTW, for the record, I paid $80 for it...
I picked up this Pittsburgh Steelers helmet today with the #53 on it, that is supposedly game-worn, but the clerk at the flea market store I found it at did not know what player it supposedly belonged to. I have done some research since I brought it home this afternoon, and it is a Bike helmet with the shell mold code 120143. From info I've been able to dig up, Bike only manufactured helmets from 1975-1984 or 1985, I believe, before they were bought out by Schutt, and I believe the last digit in the mold code means it is dated to 1983.
Now, the number 53 and the facemask are both completely consistent with a Steelers player from that era, Bryan Hinkle. The helmet looks pretty close to what he is wearing in most photos I can find, but I have not come up with a exact match yet.
What do you folks think?!?! Any opinions/advice from people knowledgable about the Steelers, and/or even just helmets in general is welcome. BTW, for the record, I paid $80 for it...
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